Oxfam responds to severe flooding in Bangladesh that has left millions of people stranded

Oxfam and partners are delivering urgent aid to people affected by the severe flash floods in Bangladesh. Nearly five million people are affected with at least 18 people dead and 200,000 people displaced. Millions of people are stranded and in desperate need of aid.

The floods, amongst the worst in recent memory, have devastated 12 districts and were triggered by relentless heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, and the release of water upstream in India.  Roads have been cut off and communication networks are down, severely hampering the coordination of relief efforts. 

Ashish Damle, Oxfam in Bangladesh Country Director said: 

“The floodwaters have ravaged homes, destroyed critical infrastructure, and submerged vast agricultural land across districts, including Cumilla, Noakhali, Feni, Chittagong, and Sylhet. Feni district has been particularly hard hit, with residents struggling to survive amid limited access to food, clean water, and medical care.”

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department warns of continued heavy rainfall over the next 72 hours, making the situation precarious.

The floods have damaged over 350,000 hectares of crops, threatening food security in the coming months. With 1.1 million people still without electricity, the disruption to communication networks continues to pose significant challenges. 

Nazrul Islam, a resident of Feni district, described the reality “We have lost everything. Our home is now completely submerged underwater. We have no food to eat, no clean water to drink and no place to turn to for help. We are struggling to survive each day, praying for any assistance that can help us make it through this nightmare.” 

Oxfam is ramping up its efforts, providing desperately needed water, sanitation and shelter, and distributing dignity kits, baby food and cooked meals. But it urgently seeks €3 million to reach 170,000 of the most affected people. 

Additionally, €5 million is required for long-term rehabilitation efforts to support 300,000 people through the restoration of water and sanitation facilities, shelter repairs, and rebuilding of livelihoods and community infrastructure. Oxfam's response will focus on Feni, Noakhali, Chittagong, the Hill Tracts, and Moulvibazar.